Best beaches in Western Australia

Photography: Getty

Little Beach, Albany
Should you find yourself in the small port city of Albany on WA's
southern coast, you might be surprised to stumble upon what may be
one of the world's loveliest beach hideaways. Little Beach may be
diminutive in name and size, but certainly not in appeal. The
stretch's powdery white sand, clear waters and distinct lack of
tourists − all set against rugged coastline − make this a setting
lifted straight from a postcard.

Cable Beach, Broome, WA
Stretching 22km against a backdrop of ochre cliffs and the
aquamarine hues of the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach is where you go to
tick off all those romantic bucket-list items. Your couple's
getaway could consist of greeting the day upon camelback, spying
dolphins from Gantheaume Point Lighthouse or sipping cocktails at a
beachside bar whilst watching the sun set. Tourist clichés like
this attract crowds for good reasons though, so avoid it if you're
seeking solitude.

Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
Head to Turquoise Bay for a snorkelling experience like no other,
where strong currents pull you past an array of marine life. You
may encounter octopus, stingrays and green sea turtles, so pack
your underwater camera. Turquoise Bay is part of
the Ningaloo Marine Park, which means you're also drifting past
parts of Australia's largest fringing coral reef. It's the stuff
marine documentaries are made of.

Cottesloe Beach
'Cott' is that beach everyone − tourists and locals alike − meet
up at, so the beach's foreshore is packed with pubs, cafés and
restaurants. It's especially popular with families, thanks to its
safe swimming conditions, surf lifesavers, and lots of room for
family picnics and beach cricket. It's also easily accessible,
being located midway between Perth's central business district and
the port of Fremantle.

Boranup Beach, Margaret River
Margaret River is well known internationally for its wine and its
surf, with ocean conditions that vary little throughout the year.
There are multiple top surfing spots along Margaret River's coast,
with conditions ranging from powerful reef breaks to gentle surf.
Boranup stands out for its pristine, isolated beach and consistent
surf conditions. It also offers some of the only beach access for
4WDs in the area.